The 2FM Breakfast show has received a huge boost in listeners despite the loss of top presenters.
The latest JNLR listenership figures for the 12 months to the end of December 2024 have been released, revealing an increase in audience figures compared to the last report.
In May, Doireann Garrihy, Jennifer Zamparelli, and The 2 Johnnies left the station, which led to a huge presenter shakeup across the weekday schedule.
The 2FM Breakfast show was previously hosted by Doireann Garrihy, Donncha O’Callaghan and Carl Mullan – however, Doireann left the station last May.
Aifric O’Connell then joined the 2FM Breakfast team, but weeks later Donncha also announced his departure.
Following Donncha’s announcement that he was leaving the station in June 2024, Carl and Aifric continued to host the show – and they went down a hit with listeners.
According to the latest JNLR figures, the 2FM Breakfast show has 152,000 listeners tuning in on weekday mornings, a 10,000 increase since the last report three months ago.
The latest JNLR report also revealed Laura Fox, who took over Jennifer Zamperelli’s 9 – 12pm slot, has 131,000 listeners, a decrease of 2,000 listeners since the last report.
Jennifer announced her sudden exit from 2FM last May, while on extended leave.
The presenter has since admitted her “gut” told her not to sign a new contract with the station.
Meanwhile, Tracy Clifford has 117,000 listeners enjoying great music each lunchtime, a decrease of 2,000 listeners since the last report.
And the ever-changing 2FM Drive, which was hosted by a rotation of presenters last year following the departures of The 2 Johnnies, continues to entertain listeners across the country in the afternoons with 145,000 listeners.
Game On has 50,000 listeners tuning in weeknights, an increase of 18,000 listeners since last year’s yearly report.
Weekend on 2FM with Bláthnaid Treacy on Saturdays has 155,000 listeners, an increase of 34,000 listeners, and Sunday 141,000, an increase of 25,000 listeners from the last yearly report.
Aindriú & Taran/ Roz and Emma on 2FM has 122,000 listeners on Saturdays and 111,000 listeners on Sundays, increasing by 2,000 since the last report three months ago.
The latest JNLR report comes just weeks after RTÉ 2FM announced another major shake-up in their schedule, including new and familiar faces.
In an all-new Breakfast show schedule, Carl Mullan will be joined by Roz Purcell and Aisling Bonner.
The trio promises to wake the nation with a new energy, sharp with an unbeatable soundtrack.
The new schedule announcement revealed that Doireann Garrihy would also be returning to the station, taking over the Drivetime slot.
Doireann’s new Drivetime show promises to take listeners home “offering the hottest tracks, entertainment updates, and feel-good vibes to power the evening commute”.
Head of RTÉ 2FM, Dan Healy said of the shake up: “I’m really excited to launch our daytime schedule with new and familiar voices on 2FM as we welcome back Doireann to present our new Drivetime show and look forward to Carl, Roz, and Aisling as our new breakfast hosts. Designed for today’s audience.
“The new schedule will have an emphasis on Irish and new music, inclusivity and original entertainment.”
“Whether you’re starting the day, on your commute, or unwinding over the weekend, 2FM will have something fresh and exciting waiting for you.”
“RTÉ 2FM has a proud history of identifying and nurturing incredible talent, with many of our presenters going on to have hugely successful careers in broadcasting.”
“The weekend line-up is a continuation of that tradition, showcasing new voices that truly reflect the vibrancy and diversity of our audience.”
Dan Healy, Head of RTÉ 2FM, said: “2FM has consolidated its listenership over the past three months with strong performances throughout the day . Also some stunning weekend numbers, particularly Bláthnaid Treacy, who continues to make Saturday and Sunday mornings her own.”
“The team both on and off air have worked hard to bring the best Irish music and content for our listeners, so much so, that 2FM is now the most listened to station in Ireland for 15 to 34- years-olds.”
“What a great platform and momentum we now have to build our new schedule from. With Carl Mullan, Aisling Bonnar and Roz Purcell at breakfast, Laura Fox on mornings, Tracy Clifford in the afternoon and Doireann Garrihy at drive, 2FM’s weekday schedule is full of brilliant radio presenters.”
“As for radio presenters, our four new recruits from 2FM’s hugely successful public service media initiative to find the next generation of talented broadcasters produced Helen Galgey, Benny Bracken, Demi Isaac and Mikey O’ Reilly. All four have learnt their craft on local radio in Dublin , Cork and the regionals and are now set for the next phase of their radio careers.”
“In the meantime, we are looking forward to The RTÉ Choice Music Prize in early March and congratulations to Cian DuCrot on his Grammy win this week. Cian was last year’s winner of The RTÉ Choice Song Of The Year for his song Heaven. Finally, and most importantly we what to thank the audience for their loyal listening.”
